Happy returns for United

FRUSTRATED spectator Gary Neville has confirmed United are exactly where they would hope to be as they hurtle towards the packed Christmas programme. The Reds skipper is ready to step up his comeback fight after nine months out and when the 32-year-old finally returns he expects to rejoin a squad challenging for major honours once more.

FRUSTRATED spectator Gary Neville has confirmed Manchester United are exactly where they would hope to be as they hurtle towards the packed Christmas programme.

The United skipper is ready to step up his comeback fight after nine months out with an ankle injury and when the 32-year-old finally returns he expects to rejoin a squad challenging for major honours once more.

Last weekend's win over Liverpool saw the Reds remain just a point adrift of leaders Arsenal, whose victory over Chelsea threatens to turn the Premier League title fight into a two-horse race.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men also reached the Champions League knock-out phase with an impressive 16 points, ensuring a favourable seeding for the last-16 draw.

And, while an FA Cup third-round trip to Aston Villa represents a tough ask, United have plenty of recent happy memories against Martin O'Neill's men to ensure they head down the M6 in confident mood.

Contention

"There is a lot to look forward to in 2008 because we have had a great first half to the season," said Neville.

"We are right up there towards the top of the league. We are into the next round of Europe and the FA Cup starts after Christmas. We have a difficult tie there but we have everything to play for, which is all we ask for. The seasons where we have struggled in the past are the ones where we have been out of contention at Christmas, so we are really happy with the way it has gone so far."

United officials have continued to remain silent on the allegations that emerged from Monday's players' Christmas party, and the fact defender Jonny Evans, who figured in the final Champions League group game in Rome earlier this month, spent the night in custody and is now on police bail following a rape allegation.

However, many within Old Trafford question the wisdom of embarking on such a high-profile drinking spree, knowing the likelihood of problems which can occur.

Sir Alex Ferguson is sure to have taken a dim view of the club's name being attached to front page headlines and will probably be glad that today's draw in Nyon and Sunday's Premier League tussle with in-form Everton will take some focus away from goings-on in the city centre.

United already know they could be paired with five teams, with the second leg bound to be played at Old Trafford.

Olympiakos probably represents the least difficult tie although, along with Fenerbahce, it is also the most lengthy.

Memories of last season's defeat at Celtic is still fresh enough for United to be acutely aware how hard it would be if they were sent back to Glasgow.

Formidable

Lyon might not quite be the force of old but, as Rangers can testify, they are still a formidable threat.

Of the entire quintet, only German outfit Schalke would represent new opponents for United, although a trip to Gelsenkirchen would leave many pundits smiling as it was in the Veltins Arena that Cristiano Ronaldo was heavily criticised for his part in Wayne Rooney's dismissal during England's World Cup quarter-final defeat to Portugal.

Neville should be back by the time United's Champions League quest resumes, as should fellow long-term injury victims Paul Scholes and Park Ji-sung

"I have started training again now and I want to get as fit as I possibly can," said Neville.

"It has been really frustrating for me but the inspiration is watching the lads. I realise that is where I want to be and I can't wait to get back."